In Rhode Island, domestic violence charges are prosecuted by the state — not by the alleged victim. Even if the alleged victim recants, refuses to testify, or asks for the charges to be dropped, the prosecution can and often does continue using other evidence such as police reports, 911 recordings, photographs of injuries, and statements made at the scene. This does not mean charges cannot be dismissed — but dismissal is pursued through legal defense strategy, not through the alleged victim withdrawing their complaint. An experienced attorney can evaluate the strength of the prosecution’s evidence and identify the best path toward dismissal or reduction.
